Natural Ecosystems Network

Consultation has now closed for the three National Adaptation Research Plans (NARPs) on freshwater, terrestrial, and marine biodiversity and resources. We thank everyone who provided their comments and expertise.

Final NARPs will be delivered in 2017. Further information can be found here.

Building Capacity and Enhancing Resilience

The Natural Ecosystems Network is one of four adaptation networks initiated by Australia's National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF). It is hosted by James Cook University and Convened by Professor Stephen Williams at the Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change. The Network brings together the people and knowledge from previous Freshwater, Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity Adaptation Research Networks established during NCCARF Phase 1. The overall mission of the Network is to provide decision-makers with information to develop and implement strategies that will minimise the impacts of climate change on Australia’s Natural Ecosystems.

Strategy:

Maintain and grow Network membership and provide a mechanism for the open exchange of information and resources.

Increase the capacity of all stakeholders to help Australia adapt to global climate change.

Why you should become a member of the Network:

Membership is free, fully inclusive with online subscription and involves a broad range of benefits. All interested stakeholders are invited to participate including researchers, universities, government agencies, local/regional conservation groups, NGOs and community groups. Membership will allow you to:

The Natural Ecosystems Network is the merger of three adaptation research networks established during NCCARF Phase I (2009-2013). Click on the links below to access the wealth of resources made available through Phase I:

Network Coordinator:

Individuals wishing to seek support for workshops or events focused on climate change adaptation and Australian biodiversity can submit proposals using this form. Please note that events must take place before 14 May 2017.

Two main societal responses to climate change are mitigation and adaptation: both help to reduce the risks of climate change.

Mitigation involves actions that intend to reduce the magnitude of our contribution to climate change. It includes strategies to enhance sinks and reduce sources and emissions of greenhouse gas.

Adaptation actions aim to reduce the impacts of climate stresses on human and natural systems. It can also include actions that take advantage of any positive effects.

Natural ecosystems have been identified by the IPCC as one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate change in Australia.

Both mitigation and adaptation approaches are necessary to deal with the changes in climate that have already been set in motion.

Resources

Information to help support decision makers prepare for and manage the risks of climate change on our natural ecosystems, including NARPs, Tools, and NCCARF Libraryhere.

About NCCARF

About NCCARF: The National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) is an initiative of the Australian Federal Government that works to support decision makers throughout Australia as they prepare for and manage the risks of climate change and sea-level rise. NCCARF is based at Griffith University and is in its second phase of development. NCCARF has established new adaptation networks under a three year program (2014-17) to continue their national focus across Australia to build resilience to climate change in government, NGOs and the private sector.